YAZ (DROSPIRENONE/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL)

Yaz Description

Yaz is a combination birth control pill that is taken to help prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Yaz contains Drospirenone, a synthetic form of progesterone and Ethinyl Estradiol, a synthetic version of estrogen. Levels of the sex hormones change throughout each month in a woman's normal menstrual cycle.

The hormones cause an egg to mature and be released from the ovaries (ovulation) and help prepare the lining of the womb for a possible pregnancy. At the end of each cycle, if the egg has not been fertilized the levels of the hormones fall, causing the womb lining to be shed as a monthly period.

You will need a prescription from your doctor to purchase Yaz, which is also available as the generic alternative Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Yaz Helps to Suppress Ovulation

The daily dose of hormones in Yaz causes your body to think that ovulation has already happened. This suppresses an egg from maturing and being released from the ovaries each month. The hormones also increase the thickness of the natural mucus at the neck of the womb, which makes it more difficult for sperm to cross from the vagina into the womb and reach an egg. The quality of the womb lining (endometrium) is also altered, making it less likely that a fertilized egg can implant there.

Other Uses for Yaz

Yaz tablets are primarily prescribed for contraception; however they can also help with the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Oral contraceptives such as Yaz may result in lighter, less painful and more regular menstrual bleeding. This means it is sometimes prescribed for women who have problems with particularly heavy, painful or irregular periods.

Yaz may also be prescribed for the treatment of acne in women over the age of 14 years, who have started menstruation and require an oral contraceptive as well as it works as an anti-androgen and very effective for treating acne .

Before You Start Taking Yaz

Advise your doctor of other medical conditions you have, especially if you may be pregnant. You will need to provide your doctor with a complete medical history to determine whether it is safe for you to take Yaz. It is necessary to advise your doctor of all medications, supplements and herbal preparations you are taking as some medications may affect the efficacy of Yaz.

Precautions for Yaz

You should not use Yaz if you are over age 35 and smoke. Smoking can increase your risk of serious side effects from Yaz, including blood-clots, stroke or heart attack. Yaz will not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and AIDS. Proper use of a condom is the best way to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases. Always keep Yaz and other medications out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Yaz

• nausea and vomiting
• back pain
• breast pain or tenderness
• weight gain

You should check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of the following side effects: changes in your bleeding pattern during periods or between periods; persistent mood changes; swelling of ankles and feet.